Catholic or Not?

Question

I was raised a Catholic in a very devout Catholic country in Asia. I immigrated to the States over 18 years ago. I think I got acclimated to the new culture within 5 years but have been struggling with my religion. I'm very confused; the Catholic churches - and I've lived in various states, have been so different than the Catholic churches in my native homeland. For example, the tithe is a new concept for me, to contribute 10% of what I make is uncomfortable to me, and it was not how we did it back home - we'd give what we can. And registering is also foreign to me. I'm in a very bad financial situation right now with more debt than what I make. But I do want to go to mass but feel uncomfortable going and not contributing the 10% which seems to be a big focus in this community I live in. I have two daughters and I really want to get them involved in church but again, I feel that I have to come up with the 10% for me to go. I'm very confused.

Answer 1

Hi!

I certainly understand your struggle. My husband was out of work for 9 months this year, and we weren't able to tithe much at all this year. But our priest made it very clear that it's just not our time to donate $$ -- we can still come and worship and make other kinds of offerings to the Church, such as time or talent.

I have never been in a Catholic parish that put such a defined emphasis on tithing. I can see why it would make you uncomfortable, especially coming from a different culture.

But the RULE for Catholics is that the Sacraments are FREE. No Catholic person can be denied any of the Sacraments simply because they don't have any money. That's the rule, and it stands over any policy made by your parish priest.

So please, feel free to go to Mass and receive the Sacraments to your hearts content. Give what you can give for now. Someday, perhaps, you will be one of the ones who have many financial blessings that you can share with others. Today, that's not you, but that's okay. God loves you and WANTS you to come to Mass and receive the Blessed Sacrament. Don't let money -- or the lack of it -- stop you.

Answer 2

I have never heard of a Catholic Church in the United States asking for 10% of anyone's income. Tithing in the bible is a 10% charge, but the idea has always been give what you can and that can certainly be nothing at all. Further, since all communities I have seen use sealed envelopes, no one knows how much you have contributed, except the treasurer and that person is unlikely to care.

Answer 3

Catholics are very focused on unity throughout the world. That said, people are different and churches are different. There is no official church law saying you must give 10% of your income. Most churches say to give what you can, or give what you think is fair. No Catholic church will ever turn you away for financial reasons. Of course some churches and priests are more aggresive when it comes to collections than others. If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable, either speak up the the Pastor or find another parish.

Answer 4

One of the hardest things for anyone to deal with is the realization that they have been misled and deceived by their church.

No church has the right to demand anyone tithe. It is an old covenant command that has no place in the new covenant.

The apostles taught in Acts 15 that it was a subversion of Christian's souls to be told they had to keep any of the old covenant law.

The Biblical tithe, commanded of Israel only, was a tenth of the increase of produce and livestock, and was never a tenth of anyone's wages. So they deceive you in two ways concerning tithes and tithing.

So what are you going to do? Claim you couldn't possibly be deceived, or study the Bible yourself to see what is really true and what is not?

It is actually a rare person who will even remotely entertain the idea they could be deceived. Everyone thinks they are too smart to be deceived. Adam and Eve were deceived, and they were able to speak directly to God, and God spoke directly to them.

No one is immune.

.

Answer 5

Read this:
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/PILLAR.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TRUTH:
There is ONE God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
TRUTH:
God the Son became man: Jesus Christ
TRUTH:
Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18), and only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The Protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. Only the Catholic Church existed in the tenth century, in the fifth century, and in the first century, faithfully teaching the doctrines given by Christ to the apostles, omitting nothing.

Answer 6

Catholicism teaches a false gospel of works that leads to eternal hell (Galatians 1:6-9).

The only way to be saved and go to heaven and not eternal hell, is by believing that Jesus, who is God, died for our sins on the cross and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Works and giving money don't save. Believe the above about Jesus, that is the only way to be saved.

Answer 7

The Catholic Church is filled with apostasy, find yourself a nice protestant church, that teaches the Bible, and has a good youth program. If there is a Calvary Chapel close by I highly recommend them. In any case non-denominational is what you want, they usually have a drop-box as you leave to donate as you fell you can.

God be with you.
William, a bond-servant of Jesus
<'(((><

Answer 8

Salvation is free my friend...Giving is your christian duty. Besides the Bible teaches us that our good deeds are returned 10 times fold as are our bad deeds. Which i have seen in my own life. God hasnt let us suffer yet, nor do i think he ever will. The Lord provides for his children. "Seek first the kingdom of God, all other things will be added unto you." And if you cant be trusted to do as you were told with a little, what on earth makes you think you can be trusted with alot. Sounds like as hard as you are trying. You place your Faith in yourself and what you can do. Not in him that made you. Try truely trusting in him for ALL things. You will fail, He will not!

Answer 9

I think it is important you go to church and take your children but if the church care more about money than your soul I would say it is the wrong church.

Answer 10

tithing isnt mandatory, Im a college student, and my church expects nothing from me, I give what I can